Logo: to the web site of the Swedish Defence University

This study examines nationalistic motivations behind Russian violence against Ukrainian cultural heritage. This is done investigating specifically the case of the Russification policies conducted during the Russian occupation of Galicia during the First World War. Concluding Russian nationalistic ideology to be the major factor behind the Russification, this study further contributes to the academic literature in a number of ways. Itsmain contribution lies in identifying the Russification of the specific case of Galicia toconstitute violence against cultural heritage. Moreover, the study contributes to the research field by applying previously lacking theoretical frameworks and definitions, including of violence and nationalism, as well as defining and including language as an integral aspect ofcultural heritage.

More specifically, the study found Russian nationalism to contain a perception of anationalistic imagined community, of which parts of Galicia and its Ruthenian population formed an essential part. This perception constituted a sort of utopian idea, which was deemed to be under threat from Ukrainian culture and movements. In this context violence was justified to realise and defend this nationalistic idea and carried symbolic meaning as a way to fulfil a deterministic belief in the gathering of Russian lands.

Through this study, I have, moreover, not only contributed to the field studying violence against cultural heritage, as well as more understanding to the case of the Galician occupation. This study has also historicised the former field, adding to the understanding of itas a historical phenomenon, as well as showing a historical continuity of specifically Russian violence against Ukrainian cultural heritage, which continues today in the full-scale Ukraine War.